Despite the ongoing violence in Juarez many El Pasoans are making the trip across the border to receive medical treatment. It's the answer many have found in our current healthcare crisis. It's called medical tourism.
Here in the borderland, Centro Medico de Especialidades in Ciudad Juarez isn't just treating U.S. patients who don't have medical insurance or medical coverage, it's also providing hope for those who may not have any other options. "There was a gentleman, he's 72-years-old, and of course he has medicare, and was having problems with one eye. He had a tumor. He came to this office telling me they didn't want to do the procedure because of his age. He had been to California and they turned him down because of the cost of the surgery" said Adriana Provencio, C.M.E. manager. That patient received the surgery in Juarez at a cost he could afford.
Patients are receiving more common, simple procedures in Juarez for a fraction of what they would cost in the U.S. Take for instance, a mammogram in Juarez costs $50, in the U.S. The average price is $102. An ultra sound in Juarez will also cost you $50, and in the U.S. About $200. An M.R.I At C.M.E. Costs $420. That's cheap when you consider the $1,100 to $2,700 dollar price-tag here.
With state of the art equipment and specialist doctors, healthcare across the border may be the answer for many residents, even those who fear the Juarez violence. "We're right there by the border, by the Cordova Bridge, Bridge of Americas. The hospital is very safe. It's got it's own private parking" said Provencio.
Appointments are scheduled at the storefront inside Sunland Park Mall. At this point, one of the main factors affecting U.S. patients is the passport requirements. Provencio points out that a receipt that you've applied for a passport will get you back home.
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